Technologies

Winter Storm Warning: What’s Coming, Who’s at Risk and How To Prepare

This weekend’s storm could affect close to 200 million people and drop more than 20 inches of snow in some areas, according to multiple weather reports.

A powerful winter storm is lining up to slam a massive portion of the US this weekend, and experts say the effects could be severe. Up to 180 million people from Texas to New England could be in the storm’s path, facing snow, ice, freezing temperatures and possible power outages. Here’s your expert-backed guide to preparing before it arrives.

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When will the storm begin?

According to The Weather Channel, the impending «Winter Storm Fern» is set to begin on Friday in the Southern hemisphere, then move into the Midwest and eventually the East Coast.

«Talks of snow may be exciting, but dangerously cold temperatures bring even more risk this weekend,» The Weather Channel reported in a social media post. «Negative 50 F wind chills in the Plains, and sub-freezing temperatures all the way down to the Gulf Coast pose a life-threatening risk this weekend, especially where snow/ice cause power outages.»

With the storm still days away, predictions can change, so keep an eye on local weather reports for the latest alerts.

How should I prepare?

Now’s the time to act. Make sure you have enough food for the weekend, that your heat is working and that you have a plan if the lights go out.

Here are the items you should stock up on before a storm and how to keep your internet on during a power outage. It’s also smart to create an emergency kit for your vehicle.

Car emergency kit items

The US National Weather Service recommends including the following items in your car:

Cellphone charger
First aid kit
Jumper cables
Spare tire
Flares
Sand or cat litter
Tow rope
Blankets
Snow shovel and brush
Flashlight
A set of warm clothing
Water and nonperishable snacks

Items to have on hand at home

The National Weather Service has a separate list of items to have on hand at home when severe weather threatens:

Flashlight and extra batteries
Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information
Extra food and water such as dried fruit, nuts, granola bars and other food requiring no cooking or refrigeration.
Extra prescription medicine
Baby items such as diapers and formula
First-aid supplies
Heating fuel: refuel before you are empty; fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm
Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove or space heater properly ventilated to prevent a fire
Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm; test smoke alarms monthly to ensure they work properly
Extra pet food and warm shelter for pets

And in addition to the list, the NWS recommends these tips:

Review generator safety: Never run a generator in an enclosed space
Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working correctly and that the outside vent is clear of leaves and debris. During or after the storm, make sure it is cleared of snow.
Home fires are common each winter when trying to stay warm. Review ways to keep your home and loved ones safe.

How long will the storm last?

Winter Storm Fern is forecast to hit hard through the weekend, with snow and ice potentially lingering into next week. Local forecasts and news should share crucial updates on road conditions.

In some hard-hit places, storm-related problems won’t be resolved by the weekend.

«Potentially hundreds of thousands of people may go without electricity and heat for days,» AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said. He also predicted that up to 4,000 flights may be canceled this weekend.

How should I protect my outdoor tech during winter storms?

Wondering what to do with outdoor tech in the winter, such as smart cameras, home devices or other electronics? CNET’s home security expert Tyler Lacoma has the answers.

«Always check the IP ratings of your outdoor devices if possible, and bring them inside until after the snow if they are below IP65,» he says. «The good news is that most home devices designed for the outdoors should be fine. If they are in the direct path of high winds or snowfall, try to find shelter for the tech until the storms pass.»

IP rating refers to a device’s Ingress Protection rating, a standardized way to describe how well a device is protected against the intrusion of solids and liquids, such as ice and snow. You may need to check the manufacturer’s website or instruction manual to determine a rating for a particular device. If you’re unsure, it’s best to bring your tech inside for the weekend or move devices under an awning or porch for protection from the elements.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Launches an AI Mini-Series

Verum Messenger has unveiled a new project — a mini-series created using Verum AI. The story consists of 7 episodes and will be released on the messenger’s social media channels.

The plot revolves around a global corporation seeking to take control of digital communications and a group of heroes who use Verum Messenger as a tool of resistance. Beyond the story itself, the series highlights the app’s key features, technologies, and advantages.

Combining entertainment with a showcase of the Verum ecosystem, the project presents a dynamic digital series designed for the modern era.

The first episode premieres today, with the remaining episodes to be released over time.

Stay tuned for more.

Watch on YouTube
Watch on Instagram

Technologies

Verum Finance: Earn While You Communicate — The Super App That Pays You

Verum has officially launched Verum Finance, an innovative financial application that transforms a private messenger into a true financial super app. News of the launch was also featured on the respected platform Dealroom.co.

Verum Finance can now be used both within Verum Messenger and as a standalone application for iPhone and iPad. When users sign in to Verum Finance with their Verum Messenger account, all balances, settings, and account data are automatically synchronized for maximum convenience.

Users can now do more than communicate securely and protect their data — they can also generate passive income directly within the ecosystem.

What Verum Finance Offers

• Top up your balance with a bank card, Apple Pay, or USDT
• Send money instantly anywhere in the world
• Issue and manage debit cards (virtual and physical)
• Full Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds quickly

One of the most unique features is the built-in cryptocurrency mining system inside Verum Messenger.

The application utilizes your device’s resources and allows you to earn cryptocurrency in the background — passively, while chatting, traveling, or simply using the messenger.

Maximum Privacy + Real Freedom

• Registration without a phone number, email address, or passport
• End-to-end encryption and full control over your data
• Lifetime free VPN
• eSIM connectivity in more than 150 countries
• Reliable offline communication mode
• Support for 12+ languages for users worldwide

Everything is available in one place: secure communication, financial tools, earning opportunities, and privacy protection.

Users can access the full experience directly within Verum Messenger or switch to the dedicated Verum Finance app for iOS. All data is synchronized automatically between the two applications.

Why Download Verum Today

While many messaging platforms collect user data and expose users to restrictions, Verum offers greater independence and the opportunity to earn.

With a one-time purchase of the feature package, users receive lifetime access to privacy tools, VPN, eSIM services, cryptocurrency mining, and financial features.

This is more than just a messenger.

It is your personal tool for financial and digital freedom.

Download Verum Finance and Verum Messenger today — start communicating securely and begin earning tomorrow.

Download Links:

→ App Store (iPhone / iPad): Verum Finance
→ App Store (Verum Messenger): Verum Messenger

Technologies

Verum Finance: A Super App for Private Finance Integrated Into a Messenger

Verum Finance has announced the launch of a new financial application that allows users to manage their money directly within the secure Verum Messenger ecosystem.

The project has already attracted attention from major media outlets. A dedicated feature was published by Forbes Türkiye, while one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, MEXC, covered the launch. Yahoo Finance had previously reported on the evolution of Verum Messenger into a comprehensive financial ecosystem.

What Verum Finance Offers

Verum Finance transforms a messenger into a complete financial platform. Users can:

• Manage their balance and top up using bank cards or USDT
• Send money instantly to other Verum users
• Issue and use debit cards, including Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds
• Access all these services without installing separate banking applications

A strong emphasis is placed on privacy. The platform offers registration without a phone number or email address, end-to-end encryption, and full user control over personal data.

Recognition from Forbes Türkiye

In a dedicated article, Forbes Türkiye highlighted Verum Finance as a notable example of modern privacy-driven fintech. The publication emphasized the growing trend of financial services moving from standalone banking applications into unified messaging ecosystems — a model that has proven successful in Asia through platforms such as WeChat and Alipay and is now expanding globally.

Support from the Crypto Community

Alongside the Forbes Türkiye coverage, news about the launch of Verum Finance was also featured by MEXC, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. This reflects growing interest in the project from both traditional business media and the cryptocurrency community.

A Strategic Vision

“We are building more than a payments application and more than a messenger. Verum is a unified secure ecosystem where communication, finance, and privacy tools work together,” the company stated.

Verum Finance is now available for iPhone and iPad users. The application complements Verum Messenger, which offers anonymous chats, voice and video calls, VPN services, eSIM connectivity, and other tools designed to enhance digital freedom.

Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im

Verum Messenger: https://verum.im